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Things to see and do at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors
Discover peaceful views of the Peak District on a countryside walk through parkland, ancient woodland and rugged moorland at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors. It is a great place to watching wildlife and spending time in nature. Find out what you can see and do here.
Top things to see
There’s lots to see as you wander through the changing landscapes at Longshaw. Discover bubbling streams and tumbling waterfalls at Burbage Brook and Padley Gorge, find moments of quiet reflection at the once-industrious Bole Hill Quarry and Froggatt Wood, and marvel at the natural rock formations of Owler Tor. Longshaw Meadow is a haven for wildlife, and the woodlands are a great place to spot birds and other creatures. The restored pond offers a tranquil place to pause.
Along the Eastern Moors, the famous Curbar Gap enjoys panoramic views over the Derwent Valley from its renowned gritstone edge, surrounded by miles of isolated open moorland. Cross through Big Moor, Totley Moss, Ramsley Moor, Leash Fen, Clod Hall Moor and White Edge Moor to experience the vast landscape of the Peak District.
Walks in the countryside
Longshaw makes an ideal base for exploring the Peak District National Park, with many waymarked routes beginning on the pathway just in front of the Longshaw Lodge. You can either plan your walk using an OS map, or take a photo of the map on the side of the welcome building in the main Woodcroft car park.
Longshaw also makes a great spot for running, jogging and speedy walks to stretch your legs and feel energised all year round.
Family-friendly things to do
There are plenty of things for families to do at Longshaw throughout the year.
Look and listen out for wildlife at Longshaw Pond, or amongst the ancient woodlands across the estate. Try the orienteering course to see if you can find your way with a map and compass, or if you want to follow a trail, pick one up from the welcome building and spot wildlife along the route.
There are also lots of places to explore and take in the nature all around you.
Take a look at our programme of events and activities taking place in the school holidays and during different seasons here .
Autumn colours and wildlife
Longshaw is a great place to see the spectacle of the autumn season. The beech trees near the pond and behind Longshaw Lodge take on dramatic fiery colours of red and orange, carpeting the ground with leaves as they drop. The oak trees across Sheffield Plantation, Padley Gorge, Froggatt Wood and the paths along Yarncliffe Edge produce softer browns and yellows. At the right time, the effect is magical, especially in Padley Gorge, amidst the mossy green rocks and tree trunks.
Longhaw and the Eastern Moors area is home to a herd of wild red deer. At this time of year you might be able to hear the roar of rutting deer across the moorland and woodland.
Another sound you can hear at this time of year is call of small birds as they flock together to find food for the winter. Migratory birds such as redwing, fieldfares and bramblings will arrive here for winter. They will spend time eating berries from the trees across the estate. Bramblings particularly like the beech nuts, which we have lots of at Longshaw! Also, our native jays will be out gathering acorns and hiding them.
Across the Peak District in autumn, you might see some of the many species of grassland and woodland fungi around. They're wonderful colours and shapes are a delight to spot on an autumn walk. If you find fungi at the places in our care, please leave it where you found it and take a picture instead. This will help to protect these organisms that play an important role in our ecosystem.
Connect with nature
Take the time to stop and appreciate the joys and the sense of wellbeing that nature provides when exploring Longshaw. Feel inspired by the sights all around you and tune in to the sound of your feet making their way acorss the landscape. The outdoors and being closer to nature can provide a sense of freedom and wonder. Nature can help us escape from the everyday. In return please help to care for our countryside, coasts, woodlands, fields and meadows so that nature can thrive. You can do this by making sure you leave no trace when you are out in nature.
You can also support our work to care for the different habitats by donating to look after wildlife and nature, becoming a member or by buying a cup of tea or a scone in our cafes.
You might also be interested in
Eating and shopping at Longshaw
Enjoy a brew with a view at the Longshaw Café where you’ll find a range of hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks, or pop to the second-hand bookshop to discover your next read.
Family-friendly things to do at Longshaw
Longshaw Estate, is a stunning backdrop for a family adventure in the great outdoors. Find out about the things you can do with your family, and look out for our seasonal activities throughout the year.
The history of Bole Hill at Longshaw
Bole Hill is now a quiet corner of Longshaw and a haven for wildlife, but you can still glimpse echoes of the industrial quarry that produced stone for nearby dams in Derbyshire.
Volunteering in the Peak District
Find out about the many ways to get involved with our work across the Peak District as a volunteer and discover the benefits volunteering can bring.
